While INHP, historically, has maintained its core programs, the nonprofit continues to study its data and changes in the affordable housing market, responding to changes and opportunities to develop programs and partnerships that address new needs. Currently, INHP is in a pilot phase of a unique comprehensive economic security program offering certified financial planning services. These services are designed to help INHP clients take the next step, after homeownership, to create long-term financial plans. Other programs, such as employer-based education (INHP takes its curriculum to area employers to educate employees on-site), are also a result of INHP's ability to remain nimble, while focused on its mission. For more information, contact Moira Carlstedt at (317) 610-HOME (4663) or visit INHP's Web site.[Community Developments Investments, Spring 2009]

Small Loans, Big ReturnsWays to Work (WtW) is a nonprofit, community development financial institution that helps lower-income people. WtW is designed to help borrowers attain financial independence and advance economically by having money to purchase dependable used cars to get to work or school. Since 1996, WtW has originated nearly 12,000 loans for more than $31 million and the average auto loan amounts to an average $3,400. Results of a 2006 WtW evaluation indicate that borrowers reported an average increase of 41 percent in their take-home pay. In addition, 67 percent of WtW borrowers report that they have used conventional financial services subsequent to receiving their WtW loans.

WtW offices are located in social service agencies affiliated with the Alliance of Children and Families (ACF). ACF agencies screen and provide financial education to borrowers and service the loans. WtW local offices provide financial education to more than three persons for every individual who receives a loan. Investors in WtW include several national foundations, the Community Development Financial Institution Fund of the U.S. Treasury Department, local United Way offices, and financial institutions. Banks can be involved by investing in the national WtW loan fund, by referring to local WtW offices prospective borrowers who do not meet conventional credit criteria, by participating in local WtW loan committees, and by providing grants and in-kind donations to WtW.

Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Investing for Indiana Community BanksThe Indiana Community Investor Fund (ICIF) is a new low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) pool designed with several features intended to have particular appeal for community banks in Indiana. ICIF has a $250,000 minimum investment requirement, which is low compared with other LIHTC funds, and ICIF will invest only in affordable housing developments in Indiana. ICIF was developed by the Great Lakes Capital Fund (GLCF), a 15-year-old regional nonprofit LIHTC syndicator that has placed $1.2 billion of equity in 325 development projects, creating more than 19,000 units of affordable housing and 100,000 square feet of commercial space in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

Among the 24 investors in the other funds of GLCF are approximately 20 banks, including some of the largest banks in the country as well as regional and community banks, all of which have invested at various levels, and many of which have invested multiple times.

For more information, visit the Web site or e-mail Fred Hash, Great Lakes Capital Fund. Also, e-mail Mark McDaniel, Great Lakes Capital Fund, or call him at (317) 423-8880.

Indiana Venture CenterThe Indiana Venture Center (IVC) is a nonprofit organization that provides business development services to entrepreneurs developing high-growth companies in Indiana. IVC "Entrepreneurs in Residence" work closely with budding entrepreneurs to help them meet their growth milestones, monitor the rate at which they use capital, take a long-term strategic view of their business and the market, and help them communicate with stakeholders. IVC also has close relationships with five Indiana universities that help the Center's staff screen prospective clients and that provide expertise to companies chosen to be clients. In 2005, IVC worked with 29 companies to raise $3.3 million in equity capital that leveraged an additional $17 million in equity and debt investments. IVC is now helping to form a separate seed capital fund, IVC Equity Partners, that will invest in companies in 11 Midwest states in five industry categories: transportation and logistics, alternative energy and energy generation, custom and advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and information technology related to these fields. Banks can work with IVC by referring prospective clients to IVC, accepting referrals of companies from IVC, providing operating support to IVC and by investing in the new seed capital fund.

For more information, contact Steve Beck at (317) 684-6810 or sbeck@ivcequitypartners.com.[Published in News from the Districts, Community Developments, Winter 2006-2007]

A Beacon of Hope for the HomelessThe Light House Mission, a 150 year old social service agency that provides both temporary, and permanent, shelter for the homeless, and offers opportunities for self-sufficiency for Southwest Indiana's underserved individuals. The Light House Mission manages several sites, including a 130,000 square foot facility that provides 19 long-term housing units, and provides 450-500 meals a day. Most recently the Light House Mission has acquired an old school building that they are planning to convert to additional long-term housing. Throughout the years, the Light House Mission has worked with a number of financial institutions to rehab its facilities, but currently is seeking more favorable terms to modernize the kitchen and bathrooms in its primary location, in Terre Haute, Indiana. In addition, the Light House Mission is seeking financing to rehab the school to convert it to provide supportive services and housing. Additional opportunities include providing technical assistance for fundraising and grant writing, as well as participation on its board of directors.

For further information, contact Tim Fagg, Executive Director, at (812) 232-7001.[Published in News from the Districts, Community Developments, Spring 2006]

Indiana Redevelopment Corporation Receives New Markets Tax CreditsThe Indiana Redevelopment Corporation (IRC), a joint venture between the nonprofit Indiana Association for Community Economic Development and the real estate investment company House Investments, Inc., received a $25 million allocation of new markets tax credits in May 2004. IRC will use the tax credits to make flexible loans and investments in non-housing real estate projects such as commercial, industrial, office, and retail developments, and in community facilities such as day care centers and community centers in low-income communities in Indiana. Banks can purchase new markets tax credits from IRC. Banks also can refer prospective borrowers to IRC for equity and for subordinate financing while participating in such projects as senior secured lenders.

Contact: Doug Sylvester at (317) 580-2535 or dsylvester@houseinvestments.com.[Published in News from the Districts, Community Developments Investments, Summer 2005]

Cooperative Financing in the Upper MidwestNorthcountry Cooperative Development Fund (NCDF) is a for-profit, cooperatively owned loan fund that provides financing, training and expertise to small producer, consumer, affordable-housing, worker and land cooperatives in eleven states in the upper Midwest. NCDF today has more than $8 million in assets, has made hundreds of loans to cooperatives since its founding in 1978 and has contained losses since 1978 to 0.27 percent of dollars loaned. Investors in NCDF include banks, cooperatives, religious orders, foundations and others. Certified by the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Fund as a CDFI and as a community development entity, NCDF also has funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help develop and finance rural housing cooperatives, and NCDF last year established a community development credit union that helps members of cooperatives finance their membership shares. Banks are involved with NCDF as co-lenders, as investors and on the board of directors.

For more information, contact Margaret Lund at (612) 331-9103 or at margaret@ncdf.org. NCDF's web site is www.ncdf.org.[Published in News from the Districts, Community Developments, Summer 2004]

Lending Improves Quality of LifeGreat Lakes Rural Capital Assistance Program (GLRCAP) is a non-profit firm helping small communities in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia and Wisconsin install and improve drinking water, wastewater and solid waste infrastructure and management systems serving lower-income populations. Banks can provide construction financing and long-term loans for these projects. GLRCAP, which works through local community action agencies, recently won a $700,000 grant to assist local communities with planning for affordable housing and economic development. Banks can provide loans for projects that GLRCAP helps plan.

For more information, contact Debra Martin at (800) 775-9767 or dcmartin@wsos.org.[Published in News from the Districts, Community Developments, Spring 2003]

Indiana: Entrepreneurship TrainingThe award winning Purdue University Calumet Entrepreneurship Center (PUCEC) stimulates economic growth in Northwest Indiana by enrolling experienced business owners in a peer-learning program that improves their chances for success. About 300 entrepreneurs have completed the program since its 1995 inception and according to those responding to a recent survey, experienced average increases of 25 percent in sales, 32 percent in profitability and 62 percent in productivity. Banks refer prospective loan customers to PUCEC, discuss business plans and business credit with participants, find new borrowers among PUCEC graduates, and provide grant funding to PUCEC.